By Emily O’Connor
So, it’s that time of year again. The time of rushing to finish projects, scrabbling to tie up capstones, and cramming for finals. The end of the semester is upon us. For many of you, this is your last semester. Graduation is quickly approaching. Before you starting hyperventilating at the thought of being thrown into the scary new world of adulthood, remember good things come with graduating, too! People will want to celebrate and congratulate you (as they should!) on your impressive accomplishment of earning a college degree. Here at Northeastern, we pride ourselves on being innovative world-changers, so how about instead of a stuffed teddy bear wearing a cap and gown or a coffee mug that says “Class of 2015” on it, your grad gifts change the world just like you’re going to do? Whether you’re the one giving or getting the graduation gifts this year, here are some socially conscious, creative gift ideas to celebrate surviving college:
Krochet Kids bag
You know what would make a perfect gift for a college grad? A handmade bag from Krochet Kids that has both class and social impact. Working in Peru and Uganda, Krochet Kids employs and empowers vulnerable women with the resources t hey need to bring their families and communities out of poverty. It’s ideal for a weekend trip home or as a carry-on when you go on business trips for that fancy new job you just got after graduating.
Sevenly print
Be creative with a print from Sevenly! The new grad can hang it on their wall for some inspiration. On top of being unique apartment décor, these prints contribute proceeds to support Sevenly’s cause of the week. Choose from a wide and colorful selection and be a positive change.
Equal Exchange chocolate. Because college graduates are people and people like chocolate, and it’s ethically sourced. No further explanation needed.
Sseko Design purse
For the ladies who are finishing up college this year, they are going to need a new purse to carry around that new degree of theirs. Well, maybe they won’t be carrying around their degree but a new purse from Sseko Designs that can be both professional and fun would make a great gift to a recent graduate. Plus, these bags are made by talented artisans in East Africa and help break the cycle of poverty.
Harry’s shaving kit
Pamper the graduating dudes in your life a little bit with a high quality shaving kit from Harry’s. Give the gift of a well-groomed face ready to take on the world, and know that a percentage of Harry’s profits are donated to nonprofits like City Year, which works with students from low-income schools in the U.S.
The SOLD Project
Perhaps the greatest way to celebrate the accomplishment of finishing your college education is to pay it forward. What if instead of asking for checks or a fancy gift for graduation, you asked for someone else to be able to have the opportunity to receive an education too? By giving an educational scholarship through The SOLD Project you can help prevent child sex trafficking by empowering a young person to be able to stay in school and have access to the education they need to achieve their potential.
